It is widely agreed that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is less common among the elderly. However, several studies suggest that a third peak of OCD onset may occur after the age of 65. The onset of OCD in the elderly is unusual and mostly related to nonpsychiatric diagnoses.
For example, if a senior is obsessed with germs or dirt, they may develop a compulsion to wash their hands repeatedly until they bleed. An obsession with intruders may cause someone to lock and re-lock their doors many times before going to bed.
Most individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder and dementia receive an OCD diagnosis before a dementia diagnosis. Dementia may worsen OCD symptoms, but it does not typically cause OCD. In rare instances, late-onset OCD can be a sign of cognitive decline.
Symptoms fluctuate in severity from time to time, and this fluctuation may be related to the occurrence of stressful events. Because symptoms usually worsen with age, people may have difficulty remembering when OCD began, but can sometimes recall when they first noticed that the symptoms were disrupting their lives.
OCD is designated as an anxiety disorder, and any type of stress reduction technique that is agreeable to the person and caregiver can help tremendously. Aromatherapy, guided meditation, relaxing music and changes in diet (like reducing caffeine) are alternative methods of stress reduction that may have some impact.
We don't know for sure what causes OCD, but your family history, psychology, environment, and the way your body works could all play a role. Personality traits like perfectionism may put a person at risk of developing OCD. Stressful life events and psychological trauma may also play a role.
OCD has peaks of onset at two different life phases: pre-adolescence and early adulthood. Around the ages of 10 to 12 years, the first peak of OCD cases occur. This time frequently coincides with increasing school and performance pressures, in addition to biologic changes of brain and body that accompany puberty.
Trauma, stress, and abuse all can be a cause of OCD getting worse. OCD causes intense urges to complete a task or perform a ritual. For those who have the condition, obsessions and compulsions can begin to rule their life.
Cognitive characteristics
Fear of contamination, by dirt or germs; Fear of safety, by leaving doors or windows; religious fears, from being immoral; perfectionism, a fear of not being the best.
Abstract. Pathological doubt, often found in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), has been theoretically linked to memory deficits, but empirical evidence for such deficits has been mixed. In contrast, many studies suggest that individuals with OCD have low confidence in their memories.
Left untreated, OCD can lead to other severe mental health conditions, such as anxiety and panic attacks, and depression.
Obsessive thoughts
Some common obsessions that affect people with OCD include: fear of deliberately harming yourself or others – for example, fear you may attack someone else, such as your children. fear of harming yourself or others by mistake – for example, fear you may set the house on fire by leaving the cooker on.
The main symptoms of OCD are obsessions and compulsions that interfere with normal activities. For example, symptoms may often prevent you from getting to work on time. Or you may have trouble getting ready for bed in a reasonable amount of time.
Obsessive compulsive behaviors may be driven by irrational fears, upsetting thoughts, or disturbing images. In most cases, OCD will develop gradually. Patients who develop an abrupt, and sudden onset of symptoms, may have an underlying organic cause, such as an infection, triggering OCD-like behaviors.
In this nationwide prospective cohort study, the risk of premature death among persons with OCD was doubled compared with the general population.
Increase consumption of foods high in Vitamin B12
These neurotransmitters are important to prevent anxiety, depression and stress which are all indicators of OCD.
While genetic variation has a known impact on the risk for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), there is also evidence that there are maternal components to this risk.
However, there are plenty of theories surrounding the potential causes of OCD, involving one of or a combination of either; neurobiological, genetic, learned behaviours, pregnancy, environmental factors or specific events that trigger the disorder in a specific individual at a particular point in time.
The onset of OCD is not limited to the original meaning of trauma; rather, traumatic experiences such as unexpected exposure to contaminants or various stressful life events often cause the onset of OCD.
Offer a hug or other emotional support instead of helping with a compulsion. Seek advice. If they are getting treatment you could both talk to their doctor or therapist about the best way to manage compulsions. Accept that sometimes it will be impossible not to offer reassurance or to help with a compulsion.